“I do what I’d do if I weren’t afraid.”
I read that this morning on a friends LinkedIn profile. It shocked me because I didn’t think she was afraid of anything. Her name is Becky and she lives life with more courage and passion than anyone I know. Since I’ve known her she has raised and homeschooled her children (and others), went back to school to get her masters degree in Counseling, started a residential home for victims of human trafficking, and on and on and on….
The point is – we all are bound by fear to some degree.
When I read that statement – I do what I’d do if I weren’t afraid – I was immediately challenged. I grabbed my journal and pen (the way I communicate best with God) and I began writing, asking, probing. I began to be honest.
What would you do if you weren’t afraid? Take some time to consider this…
In looking into the fear, it seems there are two basic things to be afraid of:
– Failure
– Success
Who really says they’re afraid of success? I’ve never engaged in a conversation with anyone that said, “Yea, I’d like to try that but I’m afraid I’d be great at it!”
So how can anyone be afraid of success?
First consider the fear of failure. What is so horrific about making mistakes? Most of them are correctable. The power which stifles us – is bearing the burden of the opinions of others (and ourselves) when we “fail.”
Likewise, when we succeed, we draw the same type of attention. Other’s opinions. Actually more so… because success breeds attention.
If “fear of Man” is stifling you – there’s a solution.
Reprogram your mind. Meditate on these verses. Let God’s Truth dwell in you and you will be surprised at the changes you see..
Psalm 118:6 The Lord is on my side, I will not fear. What can man do to me?
This psalm encourages us in the Lord’s love for each of us individually. The God of the universe is on your side! Read Psalm 118 today, you’ll be glad you did.
Romans 8:31 If God is for me, who can be against me?
Romans 12:1 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
This takes work. Commit to reprogram your thoughts. Think about what you think about. What do you believe? What lies have you believed? It will take time to reprogram a lifetime of wayward thoughts. Be patient but diligent.
The best defense is a good offense. These are simple verses that can right our wrong thinking. Write them down, be determined to get them into your mind and hearts. God’s word can change our lives if we let it. This will require diligence and effort – which will change the course of our lives!
And lastly, but most importantly, ask the Lord step by step what He would want you to do. Walk with Him, talk with Him. He is a personal and intimate God who is there for us in our times of need and all day long too.
The Lord wants your success even more than you do. He is our greatest ally.
Cheryl Passel says
Thank you for the gentle reminder that God has my back!